The Musgrave Group, one of Ireland’s longest running family businesses, recently announced that it is to begin exporting Supervalu own brand products to China.
Initially, it is believed that Musgrave will supply up to 40 own brand products including Supervalu breakfast cereals, coffee, jam, biscuits and healthy snacks amongst a range of other goods.
The Irish retail group has agreed a partnership with Alibaba Group and will use it’s Tmall Global online retail platform to sell directly to Chinese consumers.
As part of the Group’s ongoing commitment to Irish suppliers, the Supervalu storefront will be offered over time as a potential route to the Chinese market for Irish food producers.
Meanwhile, Alibaba’s logistics partner, Cainiao Network, will manage the distribution of products through its logistics data platform.
With a storefront on Tmall Global, Musgrave will have access to key online promotional events in the Chinese calendar.
The retail Group’s core business in Ireland is performing well, while the the grocery retail and wholesale brands are in leadership positions in their respective markets, according to Musgrave CEO Chris Martin.
We are exploring new opportunities to grow our business including export and we are excited by the opportunity to partner with Alibaba Group.
“In the past five years Chinese consumers are increasingly purchasing overseas through online shopping.
“We expect that the heritage of Supervalu and the provenance of our products will be attractive to Chinese consumers.
“They are seeking out western foods from trusted sources and as we develop in China we will be working closely with Bord Bia and our Irish suppliers who have a reputation for authenticity and quality,” he said.
The Musgrave Group is looking forward to exploring the new opportunities which the growing Chinese market can offer, Martin added.
He also believes that Alibaba provides the ideal platform for Musgrave to take it’s first steps into the Chinese market.
Meanwhile, the Alibaba are also delighted to be working with Musgrave, according to the Director of the Alibaba Group for the Ireland, the UK and the Nordic region David Lloyd.
“Chinese consumers have a desire to discover high quality brands from around the world that they can trust and enjoy,” he said.